5 new craft lessons in Singapore to sign up to

Try out these anti cookie-cutter lessons and hone your secret talents at these workshops in town

1. Modern calligraphy writing by The Letter J SupplyIn this class conducted by The Letter J Supply founder Joanne Lim, you'll learn that anyone can create beautiful, modern calligraphy. With a sprinkle of perseverance and a traditional dip nib pen, discovering your very own personal letterform style is not as hard as you'd think.Best for: If you can't remember the last time you went offline for 24 hours, this is a good respite from scrolling down Instagram for hours on end. Learn from the expert: Joanne Lim picked up calligraphy during her trip to New York. Initially trained as a graphic designer, she slowly steered away from digital in favour of traditional handwritten penmanship.When to join:17 July from 11am-2pm and 6 Aug from 10am-1pmSarah and Schooling#02-01, 1 Jalan Pisang29 July at 2pmBynd Artisan Atelier#01-54, 44 Jalan Merah Saga2. Natural dyeing on silk by Project CoalEmbrace Mother Nature as you unravel the techniques of dyeing with flowers and things you can find at home in this intimate class led by interdisciplinary artist Crystal Lee. You'd get to take home a silk scarf and a pocket square of your creation as certification of your newly acquired skills.Best for: Are you in a fashion rut and willing to try anything to amp up your wardrobe? Well, here's a personal DIY twist for your worn out basics.Learn from the expert: Crystal Lee spent three months in England exploring natural dyeing in her boyfriend's garden. Further deepened by a workshop in London, her interest in the craft led to the birth of Project Coal in 2014. When to join:16 July and 30 July at 2pm-4pmSarah and Schooling#02-01, 1 Jalan Pisang3. Concrete lamp casting by Concrete EverythingThe two day workshop gets you bending, moulding, casting, sanding, filing, and wiring your very own retro lamp made out of concrete or a mix of concrete and copper. That forgotten dusty toolbox of yours might just finally get to see the light of day.Best for: Working out your bottled angst and tension as you sweat up your lamp. Plus, this makes an unorthodox gift any of your friends would appreciate on their desks.Learn from the expert: Concrete Everything is Alvin Chan's brainchild. As a certified industrial design graduate who takes on a keen interest in variegated raw materials, he celebrates the use of cements generously.When to join:16-17 July from 1-3.30pm (Copper and concrete)Naiise @ The Cathay#B1-08, 2 Handy Road6-7 August from 1-3pm (Sculpture concrete)Concrete Everything Home Studio#15-57, 293B Compassvale Crescent19-20 August from 7-9.30pm (Concrete)Sarah and Schooling#02-01, 1 Jalan Pisang4. Japanese bookbinding by Bynd ArtisanLearn the ropes — in this case, strings — of basic Japanese bookbinding with vibrant threading that has a flavour of the traditional mixed with the modern. Then, deboss your initials to make sure your handwork is known as yours. Loud and proud.Best for: Earning your brownie points when you gift a special someone a personalised notebook that can't be bought in stores.Learn from the expert: With 60 years in the crafting business, the Bynd Artisan master craftsmen are the legit artisans of bookbinding. There's no doubt they're the gurus to learn some book tying how-tos from.When to join:13 July from 2-5pmBynd Artisan Atelier#01-54, 44 Jalan Merah Saga5. Dessert spoon carving by Everyday CanoeFor the uninitiated, handcarving may seem daunting, but this basic workshop lets you get into your own rhythm of chiselling. The process requires you to slow down, observe and take your time in coaxing maple, cherry or teak wood into your envisaged spoon.Best for: Polishing off your second ice cream scoop guiltlessly. All hard work needs its pay off after all.Learn from the expert: Ng Xin Nie is a visual communications designer by day and a woodcarver by night. She's been whittling her masterpieces out of wood with her passion project Everyday Canoe for over two years.When to join:29 July 7-10.30pm and 26 August 7-10.30pmSarah and Schooling#02-01, 1 Jalan PisangFor more editors' guides to Singapore, click here.